Dr. Nakamura’s early work during the four years of his doctoral course – completed at Kyoto University in 2010 – focused on four-dimensional imaging and delivery in radiation therapy for moving tumors. He investigated physical and clinical aspects of four-dimensional computed-tomography. During this work, he developed a visual feedback system, and clinically applied this system to intensity-modulated radiotherapy in combination with breath holding at end-exhalation. This technique was used in a phase I dose-escalation study that showed a significant improvement in the median and 2-year overall survival of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Thus, this work has made a substantial contribution to improving patient outcomes.

Among other work, Dr. Nakamura is a member of the Japanese Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) Radiotherapy Committee, in which role he recently contributed to the development of an on-site dosimetry audit system to support quality assurance in clinical outcomes of JCOG clinical trials.